Racing Life and Legacy: The Origin of Tin Soldier Inspired by Ronnie Terrell Ep.20

In this landmark 20th episode of Tin Soldier Tuesday, we dive deep into the heart and soul of Tin Soldier Racecars with a special guest, Ronnie Terrell, father of our host Jason and the cornerstone of our company's legacy. At 81 years young, Ronnie shares his captivating journey from the adrenaline-fueled streets to the cherished track cultures that shaped his and subsequently our racing ethos.
Discover how Ronnie's early disdain for track racing transformed into a profound love for its community and culture, a sentiment that laid the groundwork for what Tin Soldier Racecars stands for today. He reminisces about his legendary Corvette and unveils the epic tale behind acquiring the iconic '69 COPO Camaro, "One Tin Soldier," a name that would later inspire the foundation of our business.
This episode isn't just a trip down memory lane; it's a celebration of the values and passion that Ronnie instilled in us-a passion for racing, a dedication to craftsmanship, and a deep respect for the racing community. Join us for this touching father-son conversation as we explore the roots and the continuing legacy of Tin Soldier Racecars. Tune in to honor the past and be inspired by the story of a true racing legend, without whom there would be no Tin Soldier Racecars.
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[@BenBurke1983]

Awesome! This has been my favorite for sure. Looking forward to the next time Mr Terrell is on again. Hope it’s soon with more stories of the good ol days. The man definitely lived. Y’all should throw together a highlight video of the cars he raced with whatever pics and videos you have. Definitely be cool.

[@stinnettracing]

Jason it's awesome that you can sit down with your pops and he can share his story/history with us. I use to sit around at the shop and the local track with my dad and his buddies as they talked story and I could never get enough growing up, I was able to get my dad to write down some of his life in drag racing starting around '54 before he passed in 2017. Thank you for sharing your dad with us and the growth of your business. Stay Rad!

[@kennygibson1164]

I laughed, I cried, I enjoyed watching and and listening to the stories. Thanks again my friend

[@sadiqhameed3265]

Nice to see the OG Tin Soldier. I wish him and you guys all the best. Much respect for you guys.

[@Burndown]

What a fun episode. It’s really cool to see the bond between you guys and it’s refreshing to see kindness and fun brought to the limelight. Keep up the good work boys.

[@brucehuff5566]

Just a great inspiration for all of us. Thanks for sharing your life story. Stay safe

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

Thanks for watching!

[@user-eh6km2dt6i]

Awesome interview man! My old man got me into racing also . Brought back some great memories for sure. Y’all are definitely blessed to have each other. God bless.

[@deepsouthracer9656]

Counting the days until Mr Terrell comes back, great video guys

[@jeffshreves3816]

Thank you for sharing this amazing content , very much looking forward to part 2 .

[@donaldwoodardjr6595]

This video means EVERYTHING!!!!!! I pray and hope I can be racing at 81!!!!! This podcast gives me so much motivation…..going to my shop today to work on my projects so I can get them off jack stands and racing soon!!! I really appreciate Tin Soldiers…..the entire team is amazing! Question for Dad. What is the biggest changes he’s seen in the grassroots racing culture?

[@budbeazstraycatblues29]

What a great video Jason. Your Dad is definitely proud of you and your accomplishments. Keep up the hard work man. Can’t wait for more videos to come with the old man.

[@streetracechase82]

This was an epic episode! Cool to hear stories of drag racing from the beginning to current. Take care of your family and don’t retire!

[@Mo-dad]

This is my favorite one guys thanks Hold your head high Jason your Dad is golden

[@RogerMoore-ne6hu]

I ❤your dad. You are just like him. You are very blessed to have him.

[@joshuacrawford4319]

Pops really dropped some knowledge. It showes how smart he is! You may know your side and thats amazing. We all have these images without the feeling. Those images are the best! Rip Rick Crawford.

[@Nhra456_]

What an awesome interview… I raced with my dad and brother and now both my boys race with me! Priceless memories! You need do have more interviews with him!

[@williambarger8506]

Man, this was amazing to hear for me. I think I know who he was talking about in the 1st story about Thorn Hill. Preston Mitchell. I grew up on dads hip at Edgewater and Thorn Hill from 75-84. Thorn Hill was a great place. We lived in Covington at the time, and knew everyone at "The Hill". The Freeman's, Parton Bros, Bobby Bollman, Chuck Black, and Preston Mitchell, who we were usually with...good times, good memories...prettiest track I've ever seen. Rip Ralph Payne. You're dad drops names from local automotive history. He is awesome.

[@brandonwilliams6107]

Man I could listen too his stories for hours an hours. I love that. Wont lie be awesome do 20 min clips of his story telling.

[@RonnieT123]

IKR!!?? Absolutely amazing

[@tico4940]

Great Interview,and great relationship,history is realy cool.

[@jameslundberg890]

Great to see father and son smile laughter. Best podcast ever

[@user-fi1nr4rf9e]

Wow!Wow!!! WOW!! THAT WAS ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!! I graduated high school in 1989!! You and your Dad just took me down memory lane!! WITH tears in my eyes!! Unfortunately my Father past away 13 yrs ago this June. I have Polaroid pictures of my father and i stuffing big engines in small cars to go Fast!! Good stuff!! GOD BLESS!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🙏

[@tomeickhorst6787]

I’m 44 years old and since I have been in high school street racing I always got in with the guys that were in their 40’s then so they are in late 60 early 70’s and they are the same as your dad. In fact one of them just up and gave me a short block .60 over 327 to actually get me and my junk 70 nova faster. In the mid to late 90’s if you had a 10.50 street car you had something. I’m still good friends with that man to this day and actually drive his 64 nova with a 406 some spray and a turbo 400. And it’s all on the street I know a lot of people look down on that but it’s tradition and needs to be kept alive if can be done safely as possible

[@taraterrell4039]

Enjoyed this episode so much!

[@goblebrotherracing5525]

This guy reminds me so much of my dad and how i grew up too I was also born in 89’ to a father that done the exact same thing. Built race cars in his own shop on his own dime and raced as much as he could. He slowed down on the racing once the kids got older but he’s still building cars and racing when he can. He’s got more into the street style cars these days now that all of his sons are building street style no prep cars lol.

[@jimritter7945]

This has to be a dream for a lot of people. There’s just not a lot of sons that get the chance to really sit down and talk to their dad or father figure and tell them all the stuff that’s helped them threw life. I never got that chance and I still think there’s things in life that I think my dad would shake his head about but I hope he’d be proud of somethings I’ve done to. I gotta say I agree with your workers that you guys have a great attitude at your shop. Thanks a lot for the great sit down.

[@georgewoosleyjr.4841]

Jason I think you out did your self, I really enjoyed that my dad was a drag racer in the late 50,s 60,s and early 70,s and I remember hearing the stories my dad told and it sounded like the ones your dad told you are very lucky to have him in your life loved the show

[@Vetteowner565]

I can see where you got your personality from ! Really enjoyed meeting you and you have a Great Dad !!

[@donniepotter6116]

This has been the absolute BEST podcast I've EVER seen!! I really did enjoy it, my dad didn't race but he did like to build engines for a couple chevels he owned over the years, unfortunately I lost my dad in 2005 but this made me think back to the late nights in the garage as a kid helping as much as I could. Great episode fellas 💯💯 I really enjoyed it 💯💯♥️👍

[@bowtieless]

Youins can't see it, but there's a standing ovation for this podcast ❤❤❤

[@chucktyree2324]

The best video ever, great encouragement to me and awesome that you still have your Dad , you guys are blessed !

[@jeremywitteveen880]

This was a good. I wish you'd continue to upload these to Spotify! I'd listen to all of them. I can't always sit and watch for an hour.

[@travisturner6337]

After watching this video it lit a fire under me to buy back my dad's old Chevy luv . He bought it in 94 raced Thornhill, Edgewater mainly . Built it as a family, multiple engines and combos. He sold it around 2016 . I was able to locate it and buy it back 9 days ago. It's still the same 406 glide nitrous combo. Basically untouched but it has some issues I'm trying to fix . Thank you for the inspiration.

[@davidgough1161]

Thank you for coerceing Ronnie to be interviewed. I have been waiting for a long time for this!

[@briangoudreau5793]

This was such a great video such a real gem of nostalgia and knowledge. It’s great to see him still doing what he loves at his age and to be so proud of your accomplishments

[@gasparsperformance9841]

Loved this podcast, make me think of my dad and myself and the memories we’ve built through racing

[@shoresharp8349]

Jason you got to put WE AINT BROKE BUT WE ARE BADLY BENT !!!!!! ON A TSHIRT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jimskeetersjr]

Completely awesome! Just had a chance to listen to it all… Thank you for putting this out there…

[@BoWhiteRacing]

I love yall pods cast. Please never stop. This was amazing love hearing his story.

[@carrolpatterson776]

Awesome! Learned something from Mr. Terrell. Didn't realize Garland Parsons came from AHines machine shop. I knew Hotrod Meyers came from AHines. I am 66 years old and I hope I am racing or at least involved in someway for years to come. Ronnie and Jason both inspirational in my book.

[@almccall4407]

Love this podcast i can relate with dad i am 62 now and still have racing in my blood i am from NJ and thins here have changed with tracks closing up so i watch alot of you tube racing

[@terryboone6746]

Thank you for sharing! This was an awesome interview. Wishing you and yours all the best in life.

[@boostedthirdgenracing]

thank you for sharing you and your dads story i enjoyed watching special when you talked about me and your dad both ran third GEN Camaros I’ll be 61 in August and since your dad still races at 81 I got a lot of years left to race my third gen camaro

[@StrokerAspen]

Awesome episode! I draw a lot of parallels to my own story with my old man! They've done a good job getting us hooked on these cars!!

[@toddclark332]

❤❤👌🔥💪🏼🇺🇸🙏badass daddy 81 he does go dad💪🏼thank guys for the best night of your time love it have a really nice and blessed Wednesday

[@travisturner6337]

Awesome interview! I grew up at Edgewater and Thornhill, Indy , Clay City every weekend. My dad raced every weekend. I remember your pops and loved listening to his story.

[@richardpenner4686]

Jason you got a cool dad...enjoy your time together ❤️

[@ScottNelson01]

I thourghly enjoyed this one. Thank you all.

[@houstonpeyton]

That is one cool dude. I hope my kid ends up appreciating me taking him everywhere racing. Time will tell.

[@RonnieT123]

That was spectacular to watch! Thank you. You're dead rocks

[@markarnold4868]

Jason, This is the best one yet!!! God speed!

[@ScubaSteve1]

Would be awesome if the Spotify got new uploads. Makes it way easier to listen while driving! Thanks for the content!

[@brandonready1508]

Awesome! Great video, you guys do a great job. I didnt realize that was your dad. I remember going into that parts shop when I was a little kid with my grandpa. On Saturday we would get fuel from the Cheveron and see Jack and Delbert, then go get what parts we needed that day. we lived in hebron then, I live in burlington now. Great stories!

[@ericaichinger4768]

Cherish him. Your dad is awesome. And fast dude. Enjoyed it

[@frankiepinthekitchen6649]

The podcast with your dad was so awesome!!! My dad died at 68yrs old in 1983.You are a lucky man and Jason you deserve all that is good because you and Brad are two COOL DUDES!

[@randygordon9759]

My favorite episode ever I absolutely love your family

[@mattrogan3724]

That was awesome guys! My dad and I go racing together in our third gen Camaro over here in Australia.

[@tylerschmitt1921]

Man I loved this! My favorite episode for sure. Made my hour drive to work a lot better

[@owensimmons_rjg]

I remember that 3rd Gen but never put any of this together. Awesome!

[@rickspitzer1910]

Great interview really enjoyed it so much thank you guys and your dad have to do more with him and drag some of his racing buddies into it too 💪💪💪👍

[@Profound_oz]

Thank you Mr. Ronnie for sharing so much of you life with us, and coming up to Northern Indiana to John Lingenfelter's RIP. God bless you and your family.

[@twistedchassis7572]

This is motivation to the core. My grandfather used to share stories of him and his right hand man racing and building their cars and I wish I would’ve done a recorded Q&A with him. Unfortunately, he passed last September and his buddy passed away in 2022. And your pops is right, stay positive and appreciate everything you have. “Keep the rubber side down”

[@cameronhill5010]

Jason your dad is a rare gem. Thank you for sharing those precious memories between the two of you.

[@lynwoodflemming9538]

Makes me teared eye nothing like our dads !

[@bigjohn1961pan]

I thoroughly enjoyed the conversation between your dad and yourself! Very interesting, good stuff!

[@88TRUNKBACK]

This was great, sure hope we get many more sessions with your dad.

[@mrberg4616]

I love Thornhill! I sure miss living 15min from there.

[@DSRE535]

It was kind of sad watching this but funny and happy too I hope you know how lucky you are to have a father like that and it seems like you do get it so God bless you and your family and I can’t wait to see what else you guys come up with in the future!

[@merlehaggard8844]

Man this was great, I really enjoyed it 🙏🏻 hopefully we can here more stories from him in the near future

[@mikewarren4503]

What a great talk!! Wealth of knowledge right there!!

[@jasoncoates8445]

One of the best podcasts ever

[@jimkunclrs9579]

By far best video can't wait for part 2

[@michaelmerrill589]

Your dad is a smart man I have the same issues as him Gear head for life.

[@jameslundberg890]

Out of the history of of racing. You have blown this podcast up. Thanks. Old school 66 stang set in center on a beach seat on the street ❤

[@JoeGlockner]

What an awesome story & man!! I definitely have to hang out with RT soon. I didn’t know Barry bought the COPO

[@kaedyncopper12]

This was Great,Thanks 4 sharing.

[@TDIXONRACING]

Next shirt needs to be a fun coupon shirt!!

[@Mikestiver]

Great Podcast, thanks!!

[@shane5420]

Jason, absolutely amazing interview! Your truly blessed to have the relationship you do with your dad. He is clearly so proud of you and the respect and admiration you have for him is mutual obvious! Salute to Ronnie, the OG Tin Soldier !!

[@richardsmith-qy6vl]

Hey J.T. I just made 63 last Monday and it was me as a kid watching guys your dad's age when I was a kid and these 2 guys had 66 big block chevelles and they got me started I was always a 427 guy in fact my 88 ss monte carlo has a 0.60 over 427 so it's a 439 I love the way it revs and I know I could get more out of it I can stroke it to a 496 but I'm happy with what I got not to many 63 year Old men have a big block car that can run 10s with air conditioning and power steering and power brakes so 427s are always special to me. Your dad is so awesome you are truly blessed.

[@etenterprises]

My Dad Fred "Skip" Lee was a Big Block Chevy stock eliminator racer in NHRA D3 from Michigan (71 Monte Carlo 3454) and I am sure he knew your Dad and was friends with the McFarland's, John Lingenfelter, Dave LeBrun and Truppi-Kling. Personally I'm more into heads up and drag and drive stuff like you but it all comes from growing up with him class racing NHRA and NMCA. I got his car back the week before PRI and am going to get it running for Drag Week.

[@ronnieclenney7719]

Great podcast love it that at your dads age he is still having fun love your content

[@mikeharris2457]

this is so so great best show ive seen on the youtube channel

[@JustinJohnson-th1vb]

I’ve enjoyed this video more than all the others put together this was great!

[@timothysmith1426]

Class act family.Awesome.

[@gerrymilidantri6457]

Jason, this is the best interview/ podcast ever. Your Dad is a treasure chest of knowledge and a joy to listen too.

[@billywalls3378]

Heck ya man‼️💪 felt that happiness deep. Its great seeing you guys at the moonshiner camp happy and hungry to win🤘🤙💪 cant wait for those rad ass fast videos to start rollin thru again. Glad you stuck thru the shit show bossman💯 many wins to come to you ‼️

[@MrBtmatt]

This was very enjoyable. Reminds me of the shared interest I had with my father and now sharing with my son. His advice on getting into racing was very wise. Project scope is killing me on the small tire car I am trying to get done now. lol. I saw you at small tire gangstas last week and wanted to pick your brain on some combo stuff, but it looks like you had plenty others wanting the same. Can’t wait to see Charlie Brown on the track again

[@shawnblythe6878]

Dude this is one of my favorite shows so far. I love to see the relationship between you guys. Spend time and love every minute of it. Because I wish I still could.❤

[@briant6935]

That was cool af. Definitely do another one!!!

[@cavemangarage]

Wonderful interview with your Dad..I remember going to Indy in the late 80s and seeing your dads camaro..I was in love with that car..Thank You Jason

[@godspeedracer]

just wonderfull interveiw

[@dondotterer24]

Thanks Ronnie. Keep some more videos coming. Hope you can tell the story about my friend Ken Shawver's Firebird. Do you still have it? I really enjoy listening to racers like you!

[@tygockley1292]

A few beers, a lap belt no helmet. What a great time truly enjoyed this episode. Can’t wait to hear more of his stories. Boy let’s make him the president. He’s much more intelligent than the turd. We have there LMAO.

[@ronaldfarmer1208]

Great presentation aprecntion lfor your Dad

[@bradleyduncan8224]

Question #1 would your pops ever make a pass in charlie brown? And secondly thank you for the video, you guys are great!

[@lloydterry4796]

It's a blessing that you and your dad have the same passion.

[@KimiWallrus]

Best one yet

[@67stangracer]

very rad interview! my pops is 75 gonna be 76 and ive heard alot of similar stories! he too raced 60s camaros/ corvettes in the 60s -90s love hearing the old stories ! my dad still has time slips from thompson and drag way 42 in ohio from thes 60s,70s and 80s, to this day hes wrenching every day helping me with my race cars and toys still restoring corvettes as well which hes been doing for 40-50 years

[@howardlistner5499]

This was my favorite episode! Can we see pics of his cars?? Put him in Charlie...

[@paulstroud2706]

You can see the love with farther and son😊